Flight

Time in my hometown quickly drew to a close. I spent my last days with my good friend Lena, mushroom picking and hiking and finalizing travel preparation. I was able to squeeze in a visit to the dentist and doctor for prescriptions and immunizations....totally free! Thank you, United Indian Health Services!

Gratuitous self-portrait

After packing (for the next several months!), my mom and I left bright and early for the airport. Flying in and out of Port Orford is quite a process. The airport's over an hour away and only allows the tiny turbo prop airplanes. The airport is right next to the ocean which makes for a scenic (and scary) flight. For reference, here is an old picture of me standing in front of Crescent City airport.

Glorified Greyhound Station 

Unfortunately, in the past few years I've developed a fear of flying. Considering my love of travel, this is unacceptable. Flying in a tiny plane doesn't really help matters, you really feel every bump and hear the roar of the engine. I have quite the complex method of making flying more tolerable that includes Xanax, downloaded shows and knitting. Yes, call me crazy.

Las Vegas airport

Finally, 14 hours later, a drive, two layovers and a four hour bus ride I finally made it to Arizona! It's hot and bright and beautiful. I love this place.

Mohave

Preparation

I take off for my open ended trip in 10 days and needless to say, I have a lot to do. Oddly, I enjoy packing and organizing, so for me this is no chore. Don't get me wrong though, it's difficult to decide what to pack when going long term and to a wide range of climates, both rural and urban. Jeans? Winter coat? Bathing suit? Modest clothes? Going out clothes? 

Yesterday, I went through my closet and got rid of four bags of clothes to Buffalo Exchange and a thrift store. It was a definite wake-up call to ease up on F21 shoddy clothes. What a waste. Sure they're fun for the occasional trend, but really, these clothes fall apart after a few weeks of wear. I'm down to two large suitcases of clothes to my name. Obviously, this all won't come with me traveling, most I'll leave at my mom's. There's just something so satisfying about not being too tied down by belongings. 

Other than packing up my apartment and selling furniture on craigslist, I'm trying to use up the food in my cupboards which has led to some interesting meals. Most successful was a loaf of no knead bread, this recipe always makes me feel like a successful baker. You must try it!

Rainier

My BF and I embarked on yet another road trip recently. We initially planned to drive straight up to Seattle to visit his family, but the urge to avoid the freeway led us to take an extreme detour and pass by both Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier.

Mt. St. Helens

Just woken up

 I really love road trips. I think that's one of the things I love most about the West Coast: plenty of room to roam.

Creepin'  

Surprisingly, this was my first time to Mt. Rainier. I must say, I was blown away. With our late arrival, the park was nearly empty. WE drove up the winding road and the views took my breath away. Wide open sky. Huge looming mountains. River beds washed white from the churning water.

Mt. Ranier National Park

Beauty

I love exploring new places in the Northwest. I've seen so much of it that I have a mental image of the region, with the parts I've been marked out. SOon I want the whole region crossed off of my "to see" list. 

Currently listening:

Grace My Garden

One day, when I get married, I predict I'll wear something simple, borderline casual. I'm no formal, extravagant woman. I feel uncomfortable with many eyes watching me, I love to dress up but never feel like myself. This dress is suited for a walk down the isle. It is white and simple. Flowy and hippie. The perfect combination for a (typically) barefooted wild child.

Digging through my mom's attic, on a search for baby clothes, I spotted the old dress up box and found long lost treasures. And while wedding bells are in a very distant future, in the meantime I am ready for evenings in the orchard and setting sun by the sea.

 Dress-Dress up box

Shoes-H&M

Bracelet-Until There's A Cure

Coming off of an amazing five day weekend, I am inspired to travel and dream. To cancel real life and run off to India. I want to run and dance and see new places. Isn't' it fitting that this dress is representative of my mind?

Now tell me your summer dreams....

Billy Goat Gruff

 My mum came to visit this weekend and it was glorious. Good weather and even better company. My mom is amazing. By far, the most generous, kind, accepting and intelligent person I know. I really hit the jackpot with mothers. She has accepted all of my wild stages and supported me completely in all I have wanted to do in my life.

 We spent most of the weekend walking and exploring the city. As we started a hike up a mountain where Pittock Mansion rests we came across an open house. This house was the most amazing house I've been in outside of museums. We've decided we need to buy it and give each floor to the family.

The realtor said I looked familiar (oldest line in the book, am I right?) and later says, "oh, I know why you look familiar, you look like Alicia Silverstone." Not sure I agree, but I'll take it. I think that vegan goddess is stunning and therefore quite the compliment.

 We walked up sets of stairs and past painted ladies. Portland really has some stunning streets and beautiful homes.

 And what would a visit be without some true Portlandia stereotypes. As we headed to a Polish cafe we saw this mustachioed man on a casual Sunday stroll with his goat. Typical.

Fun fact: when I was in Junior High I raised a bummer lamb, Belle, until she was several years old. That sheep was like a devoted family dog that followed me around. I guess I was just hipster before it was cool, walking around with my sheep like it ain't no thang.
How was your weekend? Lovely, I hope.